Buffalo Bills - If You Were the Only Girl in the World (feat. Perry Como)

[@The11oclockBluez]

Perry's face at the end reacting to that heavenly high note in the resolve chord was so genuine and adorable.

[@dominictant]

They were awesome in The Music Man.... Even just saying "ice cream"

[@ikmarchini]

The great Buffalo Bills. They pull down the dynamic and color to match Perry and when Al Shea comes back in they ring the chords. True musicianship.

[@tomjones2348]

I think Como was not only having fun, he was thrilled at being in the epicenter of the Bill amazing tone and control.

[@demonative9945]

As someone with advanced perfect pitch and synesthesia, the buffalo bills are simply the greatest barbershop quartet to ever walk the earth. Not only do you have wonderful harmony nearly perfectly in tune while live in a 50s tv show, but voices that actually blend together in a cohesive fashion. No muddy bass or nasally tenor, pure harmony and execution.

[@snirkyd]

Would love to hear your take on the Suntones and the Boston Common!! My favorites

[@demonative9945]

@@snirkyd both have equally solid harmonic basses that blend so well with the others. The middle voices also fit so well together. The one thing I do notice is that sometimes the tenor on top tends to get pitchy in his upper range, and it causes a few chords to not lock in fully, but I love both groups as a whole

[@rangerette58]

I have synesthesia, too! Do you "see" certain pieces of music in color? My kids have it too, but our colors are all different. The key of D is yellow because the letter D is yellow to me, B flat is blue, etc. How about you?

[@demonative9945]

@@rangerette58 D major is yellow for me but D minor is almost always pink for some reason

[@whyis_hehere6638]

​@@demonative9945 see I think D is this really warm broad color like a cherry red. Bb is such a blue for me as well very cool color. Db is purply. And I feel like that's the most consistent color that gets assigned to Db very purple tone

[@LlewelynReswald]

Seeing the Buffalo Bills makes me want to watch The Music Man again. 😊

[@thewordkeeper]

LlewelynReswald watching it right now which brought me here.

[@nixevanesce9187]

LlewelynReswald Hahaha yeah

[@pghtile8069]

The Buffalo Bills were better than I thought. They pulled a fairly talented vocalist across the finish line. RIP each of you.

[@lucimitchell7273]

this brings me to tears everytime i listen to it. not enough people know what an absolutely marvelous quartet these men were. i was lucky enough to find a few of their albums where i work.

[@mikepatrick1904]

This was sweet! I did The Music Man when I was a kid in the sixties and the harmonizing stuck with me over the years. Then who popped up a year or two later but the Beach Boys. In junior high, we would sing bass in the boys' room cause the ceilings were 12 feet high and the massive antique urinals resonated. We were learning physics and didn't know it.

[@RalphDratman]

Yes, marvelous is the word!

[@briceheldt3661]

As a young child they came to our local high school for a preforming. And from that point I was hooked to not only barbershop but harmony in general! A lost art to some point!

[@ralphturner3798]

I heard the Buffalo Bills sing in Schenectady, New York, in the 1950s, at Proctors Theatre. They were the featured quartet at that year's show of the local SPEBSQSA group. It was at these yearly performances that I learned to like barbershop singing. My dad sang in a quartet, and also did in Linton High School.

[@Frodstar]

Such incredible talent was allowed on TV back then. Now it seems...

[@lenanona-p1x]

Vern Reed up there on a flawless high D at the end...these guys were magical!

[@MikeBlitzMag]

Absolute, utter, jaw dropping perfection. None better. Ever.

[@frankhyland6333]

Spot on.

[@tomjones2348]

And they always made it look so effortless. If you've even been in a quartet, you know it requires a great deal of practice, skill and talent.

[@schwei56]

Tom Jones : It helps greatly to have both perfect pitch ( which I do ), AND a thorough grasp of the style of harmony that gave rise to the tradition (which I pretty much also do). The ideal must always be heard in the heart and mind before it is sung! Perry was the bravest crooner to try this stunt.

[@scottski51]

I cannot disagree, Mike. It's a bit sad that the recording capabilities back then were nothing compared to today. Up there, close, I would place the Suntones, Dealer's Choice, and Acoustix. Just my favorites. Plus, a tip of the cap to the Western Continentals and wonderful Teddy Bradshaw!

[@MikeBlitzMag]

@@scottski51 The Mark IV and the late Mike Senter's Golden Staters also took it to the next level. Fair to say that the "absolute, utter perfection" distinction also extends to all of those fine groups!

[@robertmayer2748]

These guys were so great. Perry should have made an album with them.

[@McKoyjb]

That ending was phenomenal. Vern was a god.

[@robertmayer2748]

Never get sick of listening to these guys. All of them so talented

[@davidhuttner275]

Al Shea was a lead like no other!

[@broadcastsinthedark5213]

I’m really sick and not loving it rn, and these guys really brought me some comfort. 💞

[@brianstrange7942]

I hope you're feeling better.

[@whalesong999]

Barbershop Harmony Society - shortened down from "The Society For the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Singing in America", The SPEBSQSA. That's what it was called when my h.s. music teacher brought four of us together for our own try at Barbershop and it was such a fun two years of performing, even with the Wichita, Ks chapter meetings with the Cavaliers, sharing tones with them. It's exciting and so enjoyable to belt out those very pleasing harmonies. Thank you, Buffalo Bills; you were the tops of inspiration then, so glad to hear you again.

[@ericpalacios920]

Brilliant, timeless singers

[@TomBarrister]

From left to right are tenor Vern Reed, lead Al Shea, Como, baritone Scotty Ward, and bass Bill Spangenburg. "Shea's "You ought to know, Perry," remark is in reference to the fact that Como got his start in Barbershop singing. It's a testimony to the Bills that Como, whose own voice flawlessly spanned over two octaves, and who was at the height of a long run of popularity , is so obviously in awe of the group's abilities.

[@gracehitchmough7611]

Tom Barrister buffal bills

[@mattlibby4490]

I think it probably refers to the fact that Perry Como started out as an actual barber; see his Wikipedia article, where there's plenty about barbering (and singing while doing it) but nothing about barbershop-style singing

[@daviddotorg]

He wasn't a barbershop singer, just an actual barber. He was a crooner though, and then did TV stuff.

[@MayorMcCheeseStalker]

Tom Barrister, can you help me? Scotty Ward, second from right, looks like an entirely different man than the baritone who appeared with the Bills in the 1962 film version of "The Music Man." Or am I just easily confused by the black mustache he wore in the film? I checked imdb, and it lists Scotty Ward in the film's cast list, but I've always thought the baritone in the film looks very different from every other picture I've ever seen of Ward, (all w/o the mustache).

[@TomBarrister]

@@MayorMcCheeseStalker It would have to be Scotty Ward or Dick Grapes. They were the only two baritones the Bills had in the 1950's. Grapes is said to have left the group in 1957, when the Bills moved to NYC. Grapes had lighter-colored hair.

[@tomjones2348]

There have been some great quartets since the Bills, but the Bills had that classic sound. Perfection.

[@billfreck8963]

Exactly the way that song should be sung. You go Bills!

[@queerratoverlord487]

Raw. Talent.

[@anon8740]

But more importantly, years of dedication and determination behind the scenes.

[@TriGuy51]

Perry is great as lead, but notice the special blend and totally different sound at 2:28 with the the four originals.

[@johnireland6301]

Masters of the craft

[@tomjones2348]

The Bills are still my all time favorite barbershop quartet. Such poise, class, and musical perfection.

[@dmggatto1]

I feel like I'm Wall-E listening to that of old song. This song is so precious.

[@johnrhoads7058]

That looks like they were really having fun...

[@BarbershopChris]

The whole thing here is amazing. My favorite part is Perry Como's overjoyed expression at the harmonies around him at 3:46 till the end.

[@robertneal9837]

Exactly.

[@yvonneparker9555]

This brings tears to my eyes my grandad used to sing it to me many many years ago

[@krsball]

I'm totally crying.

[@tomjones2348]

That's why, in barbershop, they call this kind of tune....a "tear jerker":-)

[@beeginger7979]

OMG a clip of the Buffalo Bills I haven't seen AND all the videos of the Newfangled Four??? I LOVE the Barbershop Harmony Society

[@MsPandora93]

One of my Mom's favorite songs sung by her heart throb, Perry! I hope she heard it in heaven. Thanks for sharing ...I really enjoyed it.

[@scottski51]

Funny how Good male soloists sounded when they combined with 3 others!! I always felt they sounded better !!!

[@BryanDelMonte]

Como had such an amazing voice... backed up by the Buffalo Bills this is really something...

[@gayle6464]

This was just recommended to me by my beautiful and musical parents...I am 51 and I love this! We need more of it. Aww. I want to see the music man!

[@tintinsnowyful]

That is entertainment...of exceptionally high quality.

[@frankhyland6333]

Wonderful song beautifully sung. How wonderful the human voice can be.

[@ToyotaGuy1971]

I just had an eargasm!

[@37RonLes]

ToyotaGuy1971 remark was because Perry was a barber before before he got famous!

[@daviddotorg]

What a powerful tag!

[@eileenmorrell4942]

Love this, such nostalgia and great song.

[@sclaxman1]

How can you not love this!!!

[@davidhuttner275]

They're still the brightest and the best!

[@Petraglyph777]

soooooo beautiful.. the song itself is a sweet love song, this rendition makes it so personal and softly sweetly romantic.

[@annirvin6555]

Wonderful ❤

[@37RonLes]

With reference to barbershop was because Perry was a barber before becoming famous!

[@timwoods3171]

As always, the Bills are amazing! I love when Al takes over at the end and Perry just has to hold his head in amazement as the boys' sound... an airliner of harmony zooming up from the runway!

[@robertneal9837]

Perfectly said. The Bills were the most powerful sounding quartet ever. There is no other that came even close, but could you imagine having Al Shea and Vern Reed in one ear and Scotty Ward and Bill Spangenberg in the other?! It's not fathomable. I bet his ears rang after that one for a couple minutes. Again, it's what's missing in today's barbershop circles. The training won't allow this type of raw natural singing.

[@davidhuttner275]

Love that bright forward sound!

[@gracehitchmough7611]

Sheer perfection!

[@guestradamus]

When ‘shop was king...

[@alanfite333]

Great fun listening and it made me smile out loud.

[@werksdesign]

Back when programs were entertainment.

[@chiefslief1886]

Wow! Just Beautiful music it is 🎶🎶💋❤🎶🎶🇳🇱

[@RichardSamAwuy]

Omigod, I got goosebumps listening such harmony sung so expressively! When are our young people can start appreciating this kind of songs/music again?

[@iShowTunes]

♥

[@johnroberthanna1623]

Gold -- pure Gold....

[@BillMorganChannel]

These Buffalo Bills won 4 Super Bowls!

[@purestress2597]

Wow. Very good.

[@miffy1950]

Fantastic!!!!

[@stevenstranger9384]

Awesome

[@timmcinnes2594]

People will always crave harmony, which is totally lacking in rap and hip-hop.

[@josefinamartinez2251]

Perfect 👍

[@billkinnaird2902]

Phenomenal

[@RalphDratman]

Fantastic! And only 53 comments, so I am famous just by writing this one.

[@wigglywigglesworth]

Great Clip!

[@HeathDeGaramo]

Classical singer here. I love this timbre of barbershop singing. The way modern groups sound just doesn't hold a candle to this. I've never understood why 100% of barbershop groups today sound like pre-pubescent, effeminate nasally amateurs. They spend all that time getting their harmonies to sound perfectly locked in, but they act like we all want to hear a wimpy sound. These are real men singing the way real men do, and it's more beautiful than anything we have today. I hope someday we will see newer groups like this, with better vocal technique defining their sound as they once did.

[@whalesong999]

I think it's the motivation in these times. So much emphasis on being "cool" and over the years, Barbershop became a not-so-cool art form.

[@FlyingCrow]

Thank God someone else realizes this. I thought everyone else had completely lost their minds.

[@jimtownsend7899]

Choirs led to Barbershop, which led to Doo Wop, which led to Rock and Roll, and after the Beatles, CSN, Huey Lewis and the News, there was no more harmony. But, there is twerking. I'll take harmony any day. Edit: Forgive me for failing to mention Rhythm & Blues, Motown, and Soul. We used to hear so many great groups.

[@brianstrange7942]

I think you missed the Beach boys, of the '60s, and the boy bands of the 90's, otherwise...you're right. It's more about hype than it is about talent, and is only getting worse, with an occasional gifted artist once in a blue moon. I grew up with my father, and grandfather singing barbershop, so I am lucky enough to appreciate this, but at the same time cursed, because I didn't appreciate when the music took a turn, in my opinion in the '90s, with a lot of the rap crap, and so on. But at least I can come on here, and even see and hear my father sing with his quartet. He passed away in June this year.

[@brbrknndy]

The thing about a barbershop quartet is that you don't realize they are not using an accompaniment until they call your attention to it. They don't need one.

[@Dunstlookalike]

WOW! What was that low note by the bass at 2:20 ? Haven't heard anything that deep in awhile! All of them sound beautiful.

[@WBensburg]

That's a lovely Db from Bill Spangenberg.

[@Dunstlookalike]

@@WBensburg Very impressive! I keep coming back to this.

[@keithpennington8259]

Pre-Music Man

[@tylerleibengood5179]

I see a lot of people noticed Perry’s reaction to the tag. Based on the arrangement the Buffalo Bills have on their album, it seems like the tag used here is different than the one they usually perform. Does anyone know if the Buffalo Bills went off script using the loud high tag without telling Perry? Is that why he reacted with surprise?

[@buckskipper]

Thanks Dad

[@pechaa]

Thinking of James Herriot’s All Things Bright and Beautiful and the late-night drunken crooning of mild-mannered Harold Ingledew on a frigid, windswept hilltop of the Yorkshire Dales.

[@alelaera13]

where can i find this arrangement??

[@alelaera13]

i found it!!

[@reinhardvonhoengramm7842]

ale laera where did you find it? Can you drop a link?

[@quieego]

could you please please please share it? :)

[@alelaera13]

@@quieego ops sorry i did not see the comment

[@alelaera13]

@@reinhardvonhoengramm7842 Ima look for it today

[@davidrosen3970]

Like butter…

[@sanclersantander4623]

como: 7th son of a 7th son

[@GermanShepherd1983]

The only thing missing is a handlebar moustache or two. No real babershop quartet is complete without the facial hair. At least they did it right for "The Music Man".

[@auraguard0212]

There's a little spot on the screen they're playing this on, and it's driving me a bit mad xD

[@brianstrange7942]

Try tapping on the middle of it, or on the bottom right hand corner, and it should expand it.

[@mylesgarcia4625]

Those aren't the same 4 gentlemen who appeared in THE MUSIC MAN film? I think only 2 of them stayed in the film.

[@detsportsfan18]

These 4 were all in the Music Man. A couple of them just look clean shaven here, particularly Wayne Ward & Bill Spangenberg on the right of Perry. Bill only lived until one year after Music Man, sadly, having to leave the group after the film due to being ill.

[@TheStrick10]

It's kind of crappy he blew pitch on him and he was flat... That was not a very nice reflection..... In any case the bills were pretty good quartet and the envy of me singing The music Man two different times they sang it 1,000 times. Barber shopping is still around lots of really wonderful groups. I had the privilege of singing at an international contest as a quartet we didn't score very high but we were one of the top 60 quartets that year. Awesome hobby

[@brianstrange7942]

At first I thought the same thing, about blowing the pitch pipe, but then thought, if they hadn't kicked the song back up to where it needed to be, The bass wouldn't have been able to hit that d flat, So knowing that they were all friends, and great singers, I'd like to think, it was more about resetting the song where it needed to be, and Perry, Being a singer, and realizing that acapella to that degree isn't easy, was probably fine with it, and understood why. Just my two cents.

[@rangerette58]

No! They changed the key.

[@TheStrick10]

And after he stopped singing it should have ended instead of correcting the pitch and singing more that's just show off and it was tacky sorry Buffalo Bills I sang Barbershop for 20 years and competed at the International contest

[@anopirsten7565]

In my opinion, the showoff-iness is what makes these old quartets.

[@BFBCFTW]

I mean they're clearly having fun with it, it's part of the whole gag. Perry getting shown up and laughing about it.

[@deconry]

I sang in a barbershop quartet at Miami University that won the fraternity quartet contest. Saw the Dallas Vocal Majority win in Vegas 6 years ago. Nothing better than barbershop harmony.

[@MayorMcCheeseStalker]

The Bills kicking it up a notch and "showing off" is exactly why Perry Como booked them on his show.

[@brianstrange7942]

Well since you've sung that much you might want to think about the bass trying to hit that d flat, if he hadn't have blown the pitch pipe, and reset the song to where it needed to be. (Otherwise that d flat would have been a C, or a B, and the bass was at his limit with the d flat already! I'm just going by what someone else said as far as it being a d flat, but I know I have all I can do to hit an e on a good day, so I can appreciate this!) It wasn't to show Perry in the wrong. It was just to reset the song, and Perry being the singer he was, appreciated how hard this level of acapella is, so I don't think he had a problem with it. He even joked about it, pretending to blow the pitch pipe a little towards the end of the song.

[@miffy1950]

Fantastic!!!!